Physical features that are often (but not always) associated with Down syndrome include: short stature, epicanthal folds, narrow palate, and transpalmar crease. Down syndrome is also associated with congenital heart defects, disorders of the immune and endocrine systems, decreased muscle tone, and varying degrees of cognitive delay (most being mild to moderate).
Health symptoms and conditions will vary among individuals with Down syndrome, some having a number of the aforementioned conditions while others may have few if any health problems. It must be emphasized that most of the health problems associated with Down syndrome can be treated. Moreover, the life expectancy for individuals with Down syndrome is now approximately 60 years.